Christmas Cactus

Purchase this plant early for best selection. Colorful blooms come in shades of yellow, red, pink, fuchsia, white, and orange to brighten your holidays. These easy plants are favorites for both new and experienced gardeners. Care is simple. They prefer bright, indirect light. While blooming, keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Do not let plants sit in saucers of water, and avoid placing them near heating vents. To learn more about another favorite holiday plant, see "Simply Red Poinsettias" on page 78. -GENE B. BUSSELL

PRUNING

Lots of plants have bright berries and beautiful foliage that you can use for seasonal decorations. Cutting them from your garden Js a quick way to get the freshest greenery possible and save money. Use American holly; yaupon; and selections of Chinese holly, including 'Dazzler' and 'Berries Jubilee.' Other good choices include nandina (shown above), brightbead cotoneaster, and 'Red Elf' pyracantha.

WINTER SOLSTICE

December 21 marks the end of fall and the beginning of winter. Once the leaves have dropped, the shape of your yard becomes more apparent. Imagine it as a room. Where are the walls, ceiling, and floor? Oo you need to add a hedge, shade tree, or path? Plan now for future additions or changes.

LEAFY GREENS

In the Lower and Coastal South where the winters are mild, sow seeds of radishes, turnips, mustard, kale, and lettuce now.

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREES

Buy a Christmas tree that you can add to your landscape after the holidays. Pick a spruce, white pine, or fir in the Upper and Middle South. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Virginia pine, and Japanese cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica) work well in the Lower and Coastal South. Before bringing your tree inside, water it well, and rinse the foliage. Place it in a galvanized bucket or tub. (They make great containers and are available at your local hardware store.) Check the soil daily to make sure it is moist. You can keep your tree inside for 7 to 10 days; then plant it in your garden as a specimen.

ROSEMARY

Try this herb for seasonal fragrance and flavor. Purchase it now clipped as a small tree (shaped like a cone or lollipop) at nurseries, garden centers, or grocery stores. It makes a great gift. Place it on a tabletop or outside in a container by your door. Cut sprigs as needed for cooking. Keep it well watered, and provide adequate drainage.

FOR MORE INFO

Seasonal gardening advice: southernliving.com/december2006

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2006
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